BBB to host free shredding event in Topeka for 'Secure Your ID Day'

The Better Business Bureau will host a free shredding event Saturday, April 20, in Topeka for “Secure Your ID Day.”

Shredding will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the west parking lot of the Kansas Judicial Center at S.W. 10th and Topeka Boulevard.

This is the first time the bureau has invited people in the Topeka area to have their sensitive papers, CDs or floppy disks shredded, trade practice specialist Robbie Namee said.

Old or outdated documents containing old account numbers or Social Security numbers should be shredded, not simply thrown in a trash can. Namee said resources to help people determine how long they should keep documents will be distributed at the event.

Up to three bags or boxes of documents may be brought to the event for free shredding. The BBB also will provide tips and resources to help consumers protect their identities.

According to a 2011 report from Javelin Strategy and Research, the BBB said, 8.1 million Americans became victims of ID theft, resulting in the loss of $37 billion. Those who suffered from identity theft faced higher consequences, the study found. The average out-of-pocket loss nearly doubled, going from $387 to $631 per incident.

Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders, but staples, paper clips, CDs and floppy disks may be shredded.